<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied reports suggesting a mass mobilization of troops to bolster forces on the front lines in Ukraine.</p>
<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that the Kremlin intends to mobilize several hundred thousand Russians by the end of the year, with similar numbers expected next year. Putin addressed these allegations on Wednesday, labeling them as false.</p>
<p>“It’s complete nonsense,” Putin stated. “It’s an information attack on Russia.”</p>
<p>Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya previously rejected the notion of mass mobilization, but this marks the first instance of Putin commenting on the reports.</p>
<p>The Kremlin has made previous assurances against escalating conscriptions that were later retracted.</p>
<p>In September 2022, Putin dismissed similar reports regarding the mobilization of Russian reservists but subsequently ordered the call-up of approximately 300,000 soldiers for deployment.</p>
<p>Putin also responded to Zelensky’s recent warning to Western allies that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly dangerous due to the proliferation of combat drones.</p>
<p>Zelensky urged international airlines and civilian aircraft to avoid Russian airspace, citing the risk of accidents due to the high number of drones operating in the border region. “We want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, and everyone who still uses Russia’s key airports: Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe,” Zelensky explained. “There will simply be drones in Russia’s skies on a scale that has to be taken into account.”</p>
<p>Putin characterized Zelensky’s statement as a veiled threat, asserting that such rhetoric undermines potential peace negotiations. “If this has been voiced, it amounts to nothing less than a call for state terrorism,” Putin said. “I’d point out that they’re the ones asking us to resume talks, asking for face-to-face meetings. You don’t negotiate with terrorists.”</p>
<p>Russia launched over 200 drones and a combination of anti-radar, ballistic, and cruise missiles on Kyiv this week, beginning around 6 p.m. local time and targeting the Kyiv and Odesa regions.</p>
<p>Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that approximately 9,000 Ukrainian drones have been launched toward the capital city.</p>